A Look At The Japanese Take On Snacks

Posted on 08/19/2022 Last updated on 08/18/2022

If you’re like me, during an afternoon break or right after you finish work, you look forward to having a nice afternoon snack. During my first few weeks in Japan, instead of hunting for the best ramen shops or sightseeing points, I asked co-workers and students their snack recommendations. Specifically, ones that were easy to obtain at the local supermarket or convenience store. Most of the snacks suggested were familiar, but had a different take on them compared to their counterparts in America.

Senbei (rice crackers)

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Senbei, or rice crackers, were the most popular answer I received. Senbei are made of rice flour and are grilled or baked until hard and crunchy. As a lover of pretzels, these sounded perfect to fill that craving.

Much like pretzels, senbei come in different shapes and sizes, as well as different flavors. The more traditional flavors include soy sauce or plain salt. Sometimes they are wrapped with a piece of seaweed.

In more modern times, you will find more strongly-flavored senbei such as curry, wasabi, or other spicy seasonings. You can also find sweet senbei, but I recommend the savory style, especially paired with some tea or a lightly sweetened beverage.

Potato Snacks (potato chips, sticks, etc.)

Photo: Mustafa Bashari on Unsplash

For more than 200 years, potato chips have been a snack in western culture since their invention in the 1800’s. Naturally, this snack has made its way across the sea to Japan.

While you can find the regular salt flavor, it is the other flavors that change the potato snacks here into unique experiences. A good example of this is potato chips that are sprinkled with nori, otherwise known as seaweed. This is an interesting flavor that may not even be thought of in a western country. Another, and I have found this to be the most popular flavor, is consommé. Its salty and interesting flavor is quite different from anything I had before.

What is the most interesting part of potato snacks, and snacks in general in Japan, is the existence of seasonal flavors. These are different flavors that are only available in certain times of the year or in certain parts of the country. This led to me discovering the tastiest flavor, ume boshi, or pickled plum. This flavor is reminiscent of salt and vinegar-flavored chips, and would be my recommendation for a unique flavor to try.

Kit Kat

Photo: uopictureさん on PhotoAC

Most of us know Kit Kat as it is a chocolate snack sold around the world. What makes it an interesting snack in Japan is the abundance of different flavors that you can try. Almost any flavor you can imagine has been made and is available, or is at least a season or regional flavor. At last count, there were almost 300 or more flavors of Kit Kats available for purchase.

In the Tokyo area, the specialty flavor is rum raisin. If you go up north, the specialty flavor is edamame. Down on the southern island of Kyushu, the specialty is a special type of strawberry. If you want to try a spicy Kit Kat, you can find chili, wasabi, or kimchi flavors. A favorite of mine is the sweet potato Kit Kat.

In short, if you are a fan of Kit Kat or chocolate in general, Japan has ideas that could pique the snack adventurer in you.

These are just a few of the many snacks that Japan has to offer. They are simple, well-known, and generally available anywhere you go. Japan has a history of other well-known and traditional snacks, as well as newer and more modern ideas. When out exploring Japan, be sure to stop into any snack shop or convenience store you see and look around. You may find some unique and delicious snacks specific to that region!

Photo Credits:

Top Photo: かずなり777さん on PhotoAC

1 – かずなり777さん on PhotoAC

2 – Mustafa Bashari on Unsplash

3 – uopictureさん on PhotoAC